The best candles aren’t merely delightful-smelling: They can encourage the recipient to slow down, set an intention, and maybe evenrelax and refocus—something we could all use a little (or a lot) of help with. Aside from looking great, the candles you purchase should be somewhat heavy, so you know they won’t burn up in one sitting, and good enough quality that you aren’t concerned about the chemicals they send into the air. (Soy wax, coconut wax, and beeswax candles are some of the cleanest-burning options out there, and candles scented with essential oils tend to be free of synthetic fragrances, so be sure to seek those nontoxic options out, if that’s important to you or your recipient.)
For a decidedly grown-up vibe, the Speakeasy candle is meant to evoke illicit nights out and the pleasure of breaking the rules with its tobacco, bourbon, and palo santo notes.
